17 DIY Gifts to Show Your Teacher Major Appreciation

Lose the apple and show a teacher some real appreciation with these clever and creative gift ideas. They’re all simple enough that even the kids can help! From pencil jewelry to pretty potted plants, we’ve got a cool gift for every teacher on your list. And if you really want to show those teachers how much you love ’em, get your whole family to create a Back to School video a la Baby Got Class :)

2. Frilly Pencils: Every teacher’s desk needs a little brightening and a gold pencil is something we’d use any day. (via Pop Cosmo)

3. Mini Notebooks: Notebooks are the perfect gift for teachers! Whether they are writing notes for themselves or the class, these teeny tiny gifts will be much appreciated. (via Maritza Lisa)

4. Burlap Tote: Fill this tote with fun things like pencils, notebooks and other school supplies and your teacher can use it to carry all her supplies for the school year. (via The Casual Craftlete)

5. Gold Leaf Terracotta Pots: Yes, we do know that not every teacher is a woman. Here’s one that male teachers will appreciate too. Succulents are amazing gifts because they can survive indoors on desks all year long. These little gold leaf pots are just an extra special touch to show your teacher you care. (via Agnes and Miller)

6. Customized Notebooks: Instead of spending a lot of money on designer notebooks, you can make your own with some pretty paper and an inexpensive notebook! These are sure to be a hit with any teacher, especially if you make a couple and gift them with some pens or pencils. (via Delineate Your Dwelling)

7. Alphabet Stamp Set: You can find these cute little alphabet stamps for $1 at craft stores. Just put them into a little mason jar and tie up with twine for a clever little gift. (via The Casual Craftlete)

8. Glittery Scissors: For the glam teacher, make these awesome glittery scissors and then attach a cute pun to make them actually LOL. Scissors are something any teacher will always need so he or she will definitely appreciate a pair that stands out from the rest. (via Persia Lou)

9. Colored Pencil Beads: Go with lots of bright colors or keep things simple with an all-white necklace or bracelet. This gift would be adorable for an art teacher. (via Design Mom)

12. Planter Box: Part of the fun of teacher gifts is putting a pun on it! Plants give you plenty of opportunities. And with this gift, teachers can always lose the plants and fill the jars with pens and pencils. (via Shanty 2 Chic)

13. Golden Apple Tote: Take a fun spin on the apple theme with this tote that teach will actually use and enjoy. The golden apple really pops against this black tote back for a classy look. (via The Casual Craftlete)

14. Pom Pom Pens: Dress up their pencil cup with some super pretty pens! Teachers go through a ridiculous amount of writing utensils during the year, but something tells us they’ll keep track of this one for the entire year. (via The Casual Craftlete)

17. Monogram Chalk Slate: Teachers will love having this big letter decorating their classroom! They can draw on it or have the kids help them design it for different events. These letters are easy and inexpensive to make with just cardboard letters and a can of chalkboard paint. (via Maison De Pax)

How do you show your teachers you appreciate them? Let us know in the comments below!